When it comes to Super Bowl soothsaying, EA Sports' Madden NFL games almost have it down to a science. The sports sim has correctly predicted the winner of six of the last eight Super Bowls; the first time it was wrong was back in 2008, when the New York Giants shocked the New England Patriots, 17-14, preventing them from achieving a perfect 19-0 season.
It won't be as much of a surprise if the Giants pull off another nail-biting upset this year -- the Patriots are only favored by 3 points this time, as opposed to 13.5 -- and according to Madden NFL 12's simulation, that's exactly what we can expect. In the virtual Super Bowl XLVI, the Giants went up 24-10 with 6:29 left in the third quarter before Tom Brady and the Pats stormed back in the fourth to tie the game at 24 just after the two-minute warning. But Eli Manning had yet more fourth-quarter heroics left in him, as the Giants marched down the field to set up Lawrence Tynes for another game-winning field goal as time expired, giving them a 27-24 victory.
I'm hoping Madden is right. We'll find out on Sunday, February 5, when the Giants face off against the Patriots in Indianapolis. In the meantime, check out video and screenshots from EA's simulation here.
Samit Sarkar is a founding Destructoid editor and go-to Sports guy. Samit was the son of the Duke of Knees, rescued from a burning village in the afghan desert by a golden condor. He is an ace Backgammon player and lost both legs in a whaling tour. He lives for free in a nursery in Scotland where he teaches monks how to capture butterflies without hurting them.
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Lawrence Tynes didn't kick a game-winning field goal as time expired in Super Bowl 42. Maybe you're thinking of his game-winning field goals in overtime in his two NFC Championship Games.
If you like football you should check out the audio clips of Rob Gronkowski from the Ravens game. It's hilarious, that guy is like some enormous super-bro who just loves football.
I don't know how the Giants limped so far into the playoffs that they fell into the Super Bowl. I cheered for the Giants last time so this time its Pats all the way!
I don't care who wins this year. I despise both teams. The pats win all the time and espn and other sports shows always yammer on about how great Brady is. The giants suck because they are a NY team and all NY teams are over hyped. Nope, not a disgruntled Packer fan here..
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Contest:
6:15 PM on 01.30.2012
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I like football, mind you.
FACK YOU!!! RED SAWX NATION WILL TRIUMPH! THE FOOTBALL CELTICS CAN NAWT BE STOPPED! NO ONE DENIES THIS!
I like Osi! And Cruz!
If you like football you should check out the audio clips of Rob Gronkowski from the Ravens game. It's hilarious, that guy is like some enormous super-bro who just loves football.